List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Paul Finebaum calls out Florida fans for dumbing down expectations in the Billy Napier era.Florida is a blue-blood college football program for a reason, so let's not lower our expectations.ESPN's Paul Finebaum caught up with his colleague Matt Barrie on The Matt Barrie Show to dis...

After the first below-.500 season in over two decades, Oklahoma hopes to sum up its Big 12 tenure with a final conference championship.Brent Venables' first full season in Norman as the head coach was not up to the Sooner standard. And more than one aspect of the team fell short of expectat...

Farewell, then, Neymar. He is only 31, but his choice to leave Paris Saint-Germain and join Saudi “giants” (his word) Al-Hilal – eight months after what was likely his last shot at winning the World Cup – feels like the beginning of the end for Neymar at the top of the game. It has, for the most part, been a joy. “He makes football a pleasure,” once said Pep Guardiola. Neymar would choose to dribble into a maze of defenders rather than play a simple pass, but invariably he would come out with the ball at his feet. His highlights reel is full of jinking runs and cheeky nutmegs, most of which lead to little, and often his skills seem pointless, like controlling a high ball wth a Cruyff-turn. But then what is pleasure if not acting without necessity, just for the fun of it? He has won almost everything – multiple league and cup titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the Olympic Games – and yet looks set to end his career without the World Cup his nation expected or the Ballon d’Or his talent merited (he twice finished third). It would be easy to conclude that Neymar lacked application, particularly at PSG. His appearance record – never playing more than 22 games in a single season for the club – hints at a deeper malaise beyond the recurring injuries that dogged his time in Paris. PSG fans grew weary of Neymar, while his support for Brazilian far-right president Jair Bolsonaro made him even easier to dislike. But no one can ever say he didn’t care about football. Neymar wept in the dressing room before his final game for Santos. He wept when PSG lost the 2020 Champions League final to Bayern Munich in Lisbon. He wept on Lionel Messi’s shoulder after losing the 2021 Copa America final to Argentina. He wept when Croatia came back to win on penalties in Qatar. Expectation was the constant background noise to Neymar’s career, and the pain of defeat was visceral. His decade in Europe was played mostly in his friend Messi’s shadow. The only player on the planet better than Neymar in every facet of the game was on the pitch for most of his 359 matches for Barcelona and PSG. It must have been frustrating at times that his greatest accomplice was also a source of shade, even if they formed one of the greatest teams of all time – Barcelona’s treble-winning 2014-15 side – with that fantasy front three with Luis Suarez. They played with joy, and Neymar was the epitome of that. Like his club career, Neymar’s international legacy is framed by Messi. The 2021 Copa America final between Argentina and Brazil was billed as a fight between the countries’ two talismen, each with a chance to finally unload the burden they had carried for so long. Neither played particularly well that night in the Maracana, but it was Messi who celebrated and Neymar who needed consoling. Qatar 2022 was Neymar’s best chance to win the World Cup. He had sat in the stands injured watching Brazil lose 7-1 to Germany in the Maracana in 2014; he was powerless to stop a brilliant Belgium win in the quarter-finals at Russia in 2018. But Brazil arrived in Qatar as the pre-tournament favourites, ready to finally deliver on his destiny. So when he scored that mesmerising goal against Croatia in extra time of the quarter-final, weaving through an entire defence from a standing start to finally break the deadlock, if felt like that would be the goal to define his career, the one shown on repeat when future generations looked back at Brazil’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Instead Croatia came back and it was Messi’s goal a few days later that provided the tournament’s iconic moment, and Messi’s destiny which was fulfilled. That felt like Neymar’s last shot at the Ballon d’Or, which usually requires a Champions League or World Cup to convince its audience. And perhaps his move to Saudi is a tacit submission of sorts, a white flag in his long battle to transcend the Messi effect. The Independent has reported how Neymar tried to force a move to a Champions League club this summer, but couldn’t find a suitor. The footballing world stopped believing he could transform the most important games and the offers dried up. Instead he has accepted eye-watering paycheque along with his personal demands for three supercars, a 25-bedroom mansion, a very specifically sized swimming pool and a fridge permanently full of acai juice – the man loves his acai. And there is something ironic in Neymar leaving behind the giant profiles of Messi and Kylian Mbappe only to join Al-Hilal, a team with Cristiano Ronaldo. Perhaps he will be back in Europe before long. Perhaps the 2026 World Cup is still a realistic target – one last shot at winning the trophy he most craves, because really what can anyone possibly say once you’ve won that? But more realistic is that his move to Saudi Arabia erodes his already blunt edges, that other players overtake him in Brazil’s pecking order, that the European game moves on. His most famous goal remains one he scored aged 19 for Santos, which came after a dribble of unfathomable balance and control that requires rewinding like a magic trick. And perhaps, looking back, he could never have met the expectations he unknowingly set in that moment. Perhaps he did everything he possibly could have in the era of Messi. Read More Watch as PSG manager Luis Enrique holds press conference after Neymar departure Neymar departs PSG to become latest star signing for Saudi Pro League side Shots fired from Australia batter David Warner – Tuesday’s sporting social Neymar agrees Saudi move after only one European club showed interest Football rumours: Manchester United weighing up approach for Amadou Onana Kylian Mbappe set to return to PSG squad after ‘positive discussions’ – reports

With so much still unsaid around this Spain team, three statements over the last 48 hours stood out all the more, that illustrate much of the story of their Women’s World Cup run. One was Tere Abelleira immediately after the semi-final victory over Sweden in Auckland. “Now we can talk about a ferocious team spirit,” she said. It was as the midfielder was saying this in the Eden Park mixed zone that Jenni Hermoso was striding behind and shouting: “Come on! We’re in the final of the f***ing World Cup!” That is now the most important fact of all. It was amid this mood of jubilation, however, that the abrasive Spanish federation boss Luis Rubiales came out with something that was much more open to dispute. “What we have endured is a lot,” said Rubiales. “That questions have been asked of Jorge Vilda, who is a hard-working man, a world-class coach, who has turned down other federations that have offered more money and stayed with Spain. We have stuck with those who have always wanted to be here, that have valued the great work that he has done to grow, and we have forgotten the people with resentments. He has continued working with his people and not paid attention to those who wanted to destroy him.” It was the first time at this World Cup that anyone in the camp has publicly raised the squad mutiny that has shaped Spain’s entire run, since most of it has been set aside in an uneasy truce. The description of “people with resentments” sounds like the most cavalier way to blow all this up, especially as the biggest game of all remains. While that “ferocious team spirit” should be more than enough to keep Spain together through the build-up, there is still the possibility for a huge fall-out if this team is defeated by England on Sunday. Rubiales’ words only add another edge to a situation that is already hugely complicated, both in terms of how it came to this and how everyone is dealing with it. It is not just about Vilda, although he is the most public face, visibly ignored by some players in victory but embraced by others. The 15 players who last year sent the email resigning from the national team – with the tacit support of Alexia Putellas, Jenni and Irene Paredes – had several complaints. Most focused on how oppressively disciplinarian Vilda’s managerial regime was but they were also unhappy about how outdated the entire international set-up seemed. Some of the arrangements, like travelling long distances on bus or not having staff in certain key roles, fell well below their club standards. They did not feel any of this gave them the best possible chance of fulfilling a generation of talent. Unsaid but undeniably perceived by so many around the situation is that some of the players do not think Vilda is a good enough manager. There is at least a fair argument to this, even as Rubiales protested he is “a world-class coach”. Many would certainly dispute that. That Vilda has such a strong relationship with Rubiales is just another complication. With the federation risking the chance of a generation, and some players realising the same, overtures were made. Hermoso and Paredes returned, opening a way back. The federation’s director of women’s soccer, Ana Alvarez, met with every single player individually over May and June. All complaints were heard. Only some players were accepted back, and that involved having to send an email declaring their willingness to be called up again. They were Ona Batlle, Mariona Caldentey and – above all – Aitana Bonmati, perhaps the best player in the world right now. Vilda decided to stick with the players involved in preparation for this World Cup, just as Rubiales decided to stick with him. It has resulted in a squad that is partly made up of rebels and replacements. Some have set aside grievances for the greater good. Others are grateful to Vilda for persisting with them. All have overlooked this for the time being, which was why Rubiales so abrasively addressing it before the final is such a risk. It has only complicated already conflicted feelings around this Spain team. A growing view at this World Cup and back home in Spain has been that most support the players but do not want the national team to win because that is a vindication for the federation and Vilda. It doesn’t help Rubiales that he is not a popular figure, commonly seen as one of the most divisive in Spanish sport. There is also some inevitable backlash against the players, since there is the constant threat of the issue getting subsumed into the usual culture wars, but this is where the general public parking of the mutiny has at least offered something like a positive. One figure with insight into the situation spoke of how there can be internal conflict for some players, too. They want to do the best for themselves, but know that every success makes the federation and the manager look good. For the moment, at least, it has been a more unusual example of the classic dynamic of adversity creating success. There has also been compromises and common ground. Vilda’s staff have softened some approaches. The federation has listened and acted on other concerns, such as the willingness to move camp when the players were bored out of their minds in Palmerstown North. Some of Vilda’s calls have worked, such as bringing teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo on as a substitute to break games. Others would say that’s just an obvious move. There is also a more obvious fact here. In a historic football shift that long preceded Rubiales, and greatly influenced the English Football Association, Spain were one of the first wealthy western European football cultures to implement the kind of coaching revolutions that has characterised the modern game. The country industrialised talent production, while going further than most similar federations in underpinning it with a defined football identity. While that has almost come back on itself in the men’s game, creating this self-repeating and now almost self-defeating cycle of the ball endlessly getting circulated, the more developmental stage of women’s football means it can be much more effective. Spain are one of the few teams at this World Cup with such an ingrained style, made in Barcelona, that goes much deeper than any coaching decision. The wider national coaching structure has meanwhile honed the natural talent of stars like Putellas and Bonmati, producing elite athletes that also have that resilience that has been so apparent at this World Cup. The likelihood is that this supersedes any of Vilda's decisions. The squad’s mentality has helped, which is why they didn’t buckle after the collapse against Japan during the group stage. In a strange way, that 4-0 defeat might even have served them, helping to solve further tactical issues. Bonmati even said at the time “this is going to unite us more than ever”. It could mean Spain become the only world champions in either men’s or women’s football to have also lost by more than three goals in the same competition, other than West Germany 1954. Japan 2011 are the only previous Women’s World Cup winners to have even lost a game, adding one other little twist. There is then one final layer. It was the frustration at a defeat to England in the Euro 2022 quarter-finals that brought all this to a head. It is now an even bigger game against England that might fully illustrate how they have adapted. A lot may remain unsaid after Sunday but, to use an old Spanish football saying, some of the truth will be on the pitch. Read More Gustaf Lagerbielke set for Celtic bow after Stephen Welsh sustains knock Theo Walcott shares career highlights as he announces retirement from football Ange Postecoglou insists Tottenham have to be ‘united on and off the field’ Gustaf Lagerbielke set for Celtic bow after Stephen Welsh sustains knock Theo Walcott shares career highlights as he announces retirement from football Ange Postecoglou insists Tottenham have to be ‘united on and off the field’

FOX Sports' Joel Klatt wants to be all-in on Texas this year, but he can't, and for good reasons.When The Smiths penned "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before", the iconic English rock band was so ahead of the curve that they saw the future and knew all about...

Gustaf Lagerbielke could be in line for a swift Celtic debut after Stephen Welsh suffered a knock hours after his new four-year contract was announced. The Swedish central defender signed on Wednesday and could face Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup on Sunday after Cameron Carter-Vickers was ruled out with a hamstring issue. Midfielder Reo Hatate will also be missing in Ayrshire after picking up a calf problem. Welsh made his first appearance in 10 months when he replaced Carter-Vickers at Pittodrie but his chances of getting an extended run have been placed in doubt. “He picked up a little bit of a knock today which is a shame for him considering he has just signed his deal,” boss Brendan Rodgers said. “But I am really pleased for him. He is a guy that loves Celtic, loves playing here. He has been a great player within the squad over the last number of years. Maybe not played as much as he would have liked but his heart is very much here and I am delighted for him that he has committed to signing.” Rodgers did not know how bad the knock was and did not give many details on Carter-Vickers and Hatate other than ruling them out of Sunday’s game. Celtic host St Johnstone in their next league match before travelling to Ibrox on September 3. Rodgers said: “We just have to assess them and see how they are over the coming weeks.” Lagerbielke played his final game for Elfsborg last Sunday, leaving them in pole position in the Swedish top flight after 19 matches after Celtic targeted him as a replacement for another Swede, Carl Starfelt. “He has been playing so fitness-wise he is fine,” said Rodgers, who declined to comment on reports linking Celtic with moves for Wolves winger Daniel Podence and Newcastle’s Ryan Fraser. “He is a highly-rated young player and I am looking forward to seeing him play. “The club have a great pipeline of players in place. There is always a plan if someone is to move on so he is one who has been looked at for a long time.” Speaking before his injury, Welsh declared he was looking to “kick on” under Rodgers. The 23-year-old’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of this season and it looked like his time with his boyhood club might be nearing an end when he struggled for game time under previous boss Ange Postecoglou. The Celtic academy graduate has been linked with moves away from Parkhead in recent transfer windows but Rodgers spoke highly of him after Sunday’s 3-1 win at Pittodrie. “Signing a new contract for the club that I’ve been brought up on and have supported my whole life was, for me, an easy decision,” Welsh told Celtic TV. “It’s time for me to kick on now and hopefully I can have a few good seasons. I want to keep improving and continue to play as many games as I can, especially with the manager in now. He’s been massive for me since he’s come in. “He’s one of the main reasons that I want to be at the club and I’m just looking forward to starting the season properly and going for it.” Welsh has made 53 appearances for Celtic since his debut in February 2020 and will compete for a centre-back berth with recent signing Maik Nawrocki as well as Carter-Vickers and Lagerbielke. “At a club of this stature, competition for places is going to be everywhere, all over the pitch,” he said. “So for me it’s natural to keep working hard, keep improving and show that the manager can trust me to go in and play. “Thankfully he’s done that so far and now we’ll look ahead to the season and hopefully more opportunities to come. To be at Celtic is all I can ask for and I will give 100 per cent to the club and hopefully do everyone proud.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jurgen Klopp hails ‘monster’ Wataru Endo as his new James Milner Ange Postecoglou insists Tottenham have to be ‘united on and off the field’ Jesse Lingard has another week to secure short-term deal at West Ham

Manchester United remain in talks to sign defender Jonny Evans on a permanent basis despite the collapse of Harry Maguire’s proposed move to West Ham. Evans, 35, joined on a short-term deal to cover United’s pre-season fixtures in July, but that contract has now expired. Erik ten Hag has revealed talks are ongoing with the United academy product, who watched Monday’s 1-0 win over Wolves from the director’s box at Old Trafford. “In this moment, he is not (under contract) but we are talking,” Ten Hag said. “We will see. We are in talks and when we have news we will bring it.” United’s pursuit of the Northern Ireland international, who left Old Trafford for West Brom in 2015 and became a free agent this summer when his contract with relegated Leicester expired, has continued even though Maguire now appears set to stay at the club. United accepted a £30million offer from West Ham for their former captain last week, but that move stalled with Maguire wanting to stay and fight for his place. Ten Hag offered the 30-year-old some encouragement when asked what he needed to do to get back into the side. “I am happy he is here, we need a good squad,” the Dutchman said. “We have four good centre halves and including Luke Shaw we have five, and we need it because we are going to play 50-60 games this season. All the players are internationals so we have a lot of load to cover. “I am happy Harry Maguire is here. He is going to have to fight for his position as does everyone in the squad. “He knows what I expect from him, what I expect from a centre-half. He can do it, he has the abilities to do it so now he has to show it. It is about character, to be convinced to play that role, he has all the abilities to do it.” There was one concern in defence on Monday night with Lisandro Martinez forced off at half-time, replaced by Victor Lindelof, but the Argentinian has trained this week and Ten Hag expects him to be available for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham. United have spent big this summer to sign England midfielder Mason Mount, Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana. Ten Hag said he was happy with how his squad now looks, but did not rule out further moves in the final weeks of the transfer window. “Our squad is covered, all the positions are covered, but of course we are Manchester United, we are always looking for improvement…” he said. “With this squad I am convinced we can go for our targets.” This week United issued a club statement regarding the internal investigation into Mason Greenwood, who has been suspended by United since January 30, 2022, over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. Greenwood was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six months ago that the case had been discontinued. Following reports that United are preparing to bring the academy graduate back into the first-team set-up, the club statement said no decision had yet been made. The issue has divided a number of fans, with some protests against Greenwood’s potential return seen at Old Trafford on Monday night. Ten Hag said the issue was not affecting him or his team with the season now under way. “We focus on the way of playing, we focus on the team performance. It is about the players who are available so we focus on Tottenham,” he said. “Every start to the season is difficult. “We know the performance (against Wolves) was not what we hoped but we won. We showed the character and the personality.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Alessia Russo: Playing in the World Cup final is a real ‘pinch me’ moment Warren Gatland impressed by competition for World Cup places in Wales squad James Ryan says Ireland’s clash with England ‘has never been a warm-up game’

Forward Alessia Russo cannot wait to kick off England’s World Cup final after years spent rehearsing the winning strike in her childhood garden. This is a monumental moment for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who until beating co-hosts Australia 3-1 in their semi-final had never finished higher than third place in a global showpiece. On Sunday night against Spain in Sydney they could become the first England team to bring football ‘home’ since Sir Alf Ramsey and his men lifted the trophy in 1966. Russo said: “Obviously this is the biggest game, the one you dream about and means the most. “I think it will hit when we’re in the tunnel and ready to walk out. It’s an incredible occasion, it’s been an unbelievable tournament and this is it. This is the moment we want to be in. We can’t wait. “Right now all I want to do is go out, put on a performance to be proud of and obviously to win. We started this tournament wanting to win seven games and this is the message. “This is the last one to go and we’re really locked in.” Maidstone-born Russo grew up watching her brothers play for the local boys’ side in East Farleigh, where she was too young to join in but would kick a ball around on the side of the pitch. Soon, however, the now 24-year-old was featuring for both the girls’ and boys’ teams at Bearsted FC, which meant both weekend days were often occupied with football, while Russo’s preferred school-night activity remained playing on a strip of grass at the end of her street. It would also not be wholly inaccurate to say Russo has already lifted a World Cup. In primary school, the summer Arsenal signing played in an inter-school ‘Mini World Cup’ and walked away with a shock victory – while representing her side’s assigned country of South Korea. Then there were the garden tournaments where, said Russo, “we had to score to stay in”. She added: “As a kid, growing up to think we’re playing in a World Cup in a couple of days is a special feeling. A real ‘pinch me’ moment.” Russo admits it has not quite hit her that, just under 13 months after England lifted their first major trophy at last summer’s European championships, they could be one win away from making more history. She said: “It’s been an incredible year but we’re always focused on what’s next. You never really kind of get to enjoy the moment. I’m sure I will when I get back and I’m old and grey. Right now it’s about what’s coming up and what’s there to achieve. “For players, obviously we’re all aware it’s a World Cup final and there’s that on the line, but as soon as you cross the line it’s just a normal game. It’s what we love to do. It’s 11 v 11 and we have to win. As soon as we step out on the pitch, we know our job and what we need to do. “We’re aware it’s a World Cup final but we’ll just play our game. “Everyone is excited but we’re very relaxed and chilled. It feels like a normal game to us which is great and shows the composure of the team. Camp has been great from the first game until now. It feels pretty similar, it’s another game we must win.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Warren Gatland impressed by competition for World Cup places in Wales squad Man United keen to sign Jonny Evans despite Harry Maguire’s transfer collapse James Ryan says Ireland’s clash with England ‘has never been a warm-up game’

Chelsea have completed the signing of midfielder Romeo Lavia from Southampton for a reported £53million, possibly rising to £58m, taking their total number of first-team acquisitions this summer to eight. The 19-year-old, who has played just 29 times in the Premier League, has signed a seven-year deal having made clear earlier this week his desire to move to Stamford Bridge over Liverpool, who also had a bid accepted. Chelsea have now spent more than £350m during this transfer window once performance-related add-ons are taken into account, though that has been significantly offset by fees received for player sales. Lavia told the club’s website: “I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together.” Lavia, who made his Belgium debut in a friendly win against Germany in March, will likely compete with Enzo Fernandez and fellow new-signing Moises Caicedo - the two most expensive players in English transfer history - for a starting place in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield. Chelsea broke that record for the second time in eight months on Monday with the capture of Caicedo from Brighton for an initial £100m, possibly rising to £115, eclipsing the £106m they paid Benfica for Fernandez in January. Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are very pleased to welcome Romeo to Chelsea. “He demonstrated his quality in the Premier League last season at Southampton, showing maturity despite his young age, and is a player we have monitored for some time. “We believe he is ready to make an impact at Chelsea throughout the current campaign, and in the coming years.” It is also understood that a deal is yet to be agreed with Newcastle for defender Lewis Hall, though a move for the 18-year-old is close. Hall signed a new six-year contract with the club just days ago and was set to spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace but Newcastle’s offer, believed to be £28m, has persuaded the club to reconsider. As an academy product, any sale would be recorded as pure profit in Chelsea’s books as they look to remain within Financial Fair Play rules following a total transfer outlay over the last year in excess of £900m. A deal had also been agreed with Palace for the transfer of winger Michael Olise after the club met his £35m release clause, but the France Under-21 international has opted to remain at Selhurst Park and signed a new four-year contact on Thursday. PA

Reece James has been ruled out of Chelsea’s weekend visit to West Ham and could face several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury in training. James, 23, was made club captain by new manager Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, but his first game leading the side ended early when he was replaced in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Aftewards Pochettino insisted James was suffering only from fatigue and would be fit for the Blues’ visit to the London Stadium. But the defender has now picked up a muscle strain that adds to his long line of injuries disrupting his progress at Stamford Bridge. A statement said: “Reece James is starting rehabilitation having undergone assessments on an injury sustained in training this week.” Meanwhile, Chelsea have completed the signing of 19-year-old defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia from Southampton on Friday after agreeing to a reported transfer fee of £58m. The Belgium international signed a seven-year deal after reportedly rejecting a proposed move to Liverpool. The spending spree at Stamford Bridge continues with Lavia arriving just days after Chelsea signed Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £115m. Caicedo's signing took Chelsea's spending on players to almost £1bn in 15 months under its new American owners. The highly rated Lavia has played only 29 times in the Premier League. “I’m really happy to join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project,” Lavia said in Chelsea’s announcement. “It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started. I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together.”

England head coach Sarina Wiegman and Spain boss Jorge Vilda will lead their teams into the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday. Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the two coaches. Dutch courage brings England Euro joy Having guided her native Netherlands to success at Euro 2017 and then on into final of the 2019 World Cup, where they lost to the United States, Wiegman took over the Lionesses in September 2021. Wiegman, a former captain of the Dutch national team during her playing career who also worked as a PE teacher, went on to lead England to Euro 2022 glory on home soil with victory over Germany at Wembley last summer. The only defeat of Wiegman’s tenure so far came in a friendly against Australia at Brentford in April – and England fans will be hoping her impressive run continues on Sunday. Vilda steadies ship after player unrest Vilda had spells in the youth set-ups at both Real Madrid and Barcelona but saw his dreams of a playing career cut short by two major knee injuries when he was 17. Having moved into a coaching role at CD Canillas in Madrid, Vilda held assistant roles with Spain’s Under-17s and Under-19s, enjoying success in their European Championship and World Cup campaigns. He was appointed senior head coach of the women’s national team in 2015, taking them into the Euro 2017 quarter-finals and also the World Cup, where they reached the last 16. Following Euro 2022, where La Roja were beaten by hosts England in the quarter-finals, a group of 15 players threatened to quit if Vilda remained in his position, claiming his regime was affecting their “health” and “emotional state”. He, though, was backed by the Spanish Football Federation, with the players subsequently frozen out of his squad, before some returned to the fold for the World Cup, including Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey. Same again for Lionesses? Wiegman named an unchanged side for the 3-1 semi-final win over against Australia. Her faith proved well-founded as England stepped up to the challenge of restricting the counter-attacking threat of the Matildas, although there was little the well-drilled defence could do to prevent Sam Kerr crashing in a fine 25-yard equaliser. England had plenty of possession against Australia, particularly in the first half, and will certainly need to show similar bravery in their challenges against the Spaniards. Some ruthless finishing saw Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo strike against the co-hosts – and more of the same will be needed in the final when clear chances are expected to be at a premium. Chelsea forward Lauren James will be available again following a two-game ban following her red card in the last-16 win over Nigeria, handing a potential selection headache for Wiegman. La Roja’s own ‘Total Football’ Vilda grew up steeped in Johan Cruyff’s football philosophy, with his father Angel having worked as the late Dutchman’s fitness trainer at Barcelona. Based around a 4-3-3 possession-based game, Vilda wants his team to play with a distinctly recognisable style. That belief never waivered as Spain bounced back from a 4-0 humbling by Group C winners Japan to thrash Switzerland 5-1 as they booked a place in the last eight, then went on to beat the Netherlands after extra-time before defeating Sweden in Auckland. England should expect to face high-tempo passing and movement as well as a relentless press in attack. Alexia Putellas, twice a Ballon d’Or winner, continues to be used sparingly in the tournament, having worked her way back from an ACL injury which ruled her out of Euro 2022. Nineteen-year-old Salma Paralluelo came off the bench to open the scoring in the semi-final against Sweden. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Sarina Wiegman is happy as England manager and wants to see out the remainder of her contract, despite speculation linking the Lionesses boss to the United States. Wiegman, who will lead England into their first Women’s World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, is set to attract interest from the USA after the resignation of head coach Vlatko Andonovski - following their huge underperformance and last-16 exit at the tournament. The Dutch manager has an outstanding track record and is the first head coach to reach the Women’s World Cup final with two different teams, after guiding her native Netherlands to the final in 2019. Wiegman also ended England’s 56-year wait for a major trophy when the Lionesses won the Euros last summer, with the Dutch also winning the European championships on home soil in 2017. The FA said on Thursday that they would “100 per cent” reject any approach for Wiegman before the end of her contract, which is through to the end of the Euros in 2025, and the 53-year-old confirmed she would not consider any offers after the World Cup. “I’m really enjoying my job and I have the impression that people still like me doing that job,” Wiegman said on Friday. “I have no plans to leave.” When asked about the open position with the USA, the four-time World Cup champions, Wiegman replied: “I’ve heard [about] it. I’m with England, I’m really happy with England and I have a contract until 2025.” While Wiegman is preparing for Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain in Sydney, there is also the potential that the 53-year-old takes charge of a Great Britain team at the Paris Olympics next summer, ahead of the defence of England’s European title in 2025. Wiegman, meanwhile, would not comment on the pay gap that exists between herself and male counterpart Gareth Southgate, the manager of the men’s team. While Wiegman’s annual salary is £400,000, men’s boss Southgate is reportedly paid £5m a year. “Well, first of all I think I feel very comfortable with where I am right now,” Wiegman said. “The FA treats me very well. And that’s the only thing I want to say about that now because I’m really focused on the game.” Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: Sarina Wiegman says ‘everyone’s talking about 1966’ and backs England to end 57 years of hurt Sarina Wiegman: ‘Stop talking about the result — we know what we want’ Ella Toone or Lauren James? Sarina Wiegman has already made the biggest decision of England’s World Cup